Defence Ministry rolls out its dual secondary education programme, with new military classes opening in Handlová, Snina and Trnava

The Slovak Defence Ministry (MOD) continues to roll out its 'Personal and Property Security' dual vocational education and training (VET) programme – combining upper secondary schooling with military vocational training and armed forces placements – across the country to prepare pupils for their roles in the Armed Forces.

After last year’s successful pilot project at Sečovce Joint School, two military classes have been opened there for first-year learners in the 2026/2027 school year, as have three pilot military classes – one in each of the secondary professional schools (“SOŠ”) in Handlová, Snina and Trnava.

In addition to the National Curriculum subjects, teenagers under this programme will be able to make connections between military theory and practice. Not only will they undertake basic military training under the guidance of Army instructors in the Army’s training establishments, but they will also complete work placements with military units to gain real military work experience.

The military syllabus covers a range of specialist training, including physical training (PT), marching drills, Skill At Arms (SAA), tactics, map reading and navigation, fieldcraft and survival skills, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence (CBRND), first aid, radio communications, engineer training, and ammunition handling, among others.

Speaking at a welcome assembly on the first day of school at SOŠ Handlová, Secretary General of the MOD Service Office Peter Krajčírovič said: “The Ministry of Defence just doesn’t want to keep telling young people that the Slovak Armed Forces need a new generation of soldiers. We want to create the conditions for them so that they can prepare well for this profession, so that they are aware that after finishing school they can make use of their knowledge and skills in a real working environment. That is why we link theory and practice together and bring the Armed Forces closer to young people even before they make a final decision on their future professional career.”

The MOD's rollout of the project builds on the positive experience of last year’s pilot military class at Sečovce Joint School, where 30 of the original 32 pupils have just entered their second year on the four-year VET programme. This offers a combination of the core National Curriculum subjects and military training theory and practice for young people, allowing them to familiarise themselves with the military environment and the practical aspects of the military job, while ensuring that school leavers are equipped with the skills to succeed both in the Armed Forces and life beyond the national school-leaving examination or A-levels as a pathway to higher education (HE).